Challenges Faced by Cory Booker: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cory Booker's life and career.

Cory Booker is an American politician and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. He is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Prior to his senate career, Booker served as the 38th mayor of Newark from 2006 to 2013. He also served on the Municipal Council of Newark for the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker is a member of the Democratic Party.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 9, 2002: Announced Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, running against incumbent Sharpe James. The campaign was contentious, with James resorting to mudslinging and questioning Booker's background. Although he garnered 47% of the vote, Booker lost the election.

2002: Lost Mayoral Election

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor of Newark but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.

June 2006: Assassination Plot Foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him. The plot was led by Bloods gang leaders inside four New Jersey state prisons. The motive was described as a response to the acrimonious campaign and Booker's promises to take a harder line on crime.

2009: Turned down leadership of the White House Office of Urban Affairs

In 2009, after Barack Obama became President of the United States, Cory Booker was offered the leadership of the new White House Office of Urban Affairs, but he turned the offer down, citing a commitment to Newark.

December 2010: Furloughs and Pay Cuts Implemented

From July through December 2010, Cory Booker's administration imposed one-day-a-month furloughs for all non-uniformed employees, as well as 2% pay cuts for managers and directors earning more than $100,000 a year.

2011: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid

In 2011, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, mandating an agreement between the city and state that required the state to approve appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

May 12, 2012: Remarks on Meet the Press critical of Obama's campaign

On May 12, 2012, Cory Booker appeared on Meet the Press and made remarks critical of Obama's reelection campaign, stating that attacks on Mitt Romney's record at Bain Capital were "nauseating". The Romney campaign used these comments against Obama, leading to controversy.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council meeting

On November 20, 2012, a tumultuous incident occurred at a Newark City Council meeting that Cory Booker attended. The council was convened to vote on a successor for a vacated seat. Booker cast the deciding vote for Shanique Speight, leading to supporters of John Sharpe James storming the stage and riot police using pepper spray on the crowd. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: Booker's SNAP Challenge

In December 2012, after discussions about New Jersey's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Cory Booker undertook a week-long challenge to live on a $30 per week food budget, which he stated was the amount received by New Jersey SNAP recipients. This aimed to spark discussion about Americans relying solely on food stamps.

2012: Newark Receives Emergency State Aid

In 2012, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, mandating an agreement between the city and state that required the state to approve appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

April 2017: Criticism of US strike on Syria

In April 2017, Cory Booker criticized the US strike on Syria, stating it was a military action "without a clear plan" or authorization from Congress.

2017: Vote against proposal to lower prescription drug prices

In 2017, Cory Booker voted against a proposal to lower prescription drug prices, which led to criticism that he was too dependent on corporate support.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, Cory Booker questioned Brett Kavanaugh during his confirmation hearings about emails marked "committee confidential", concerning discussions on racial profiling. Booker released the documents publicly, risking expulsion from the Senate, but defended his decision as challenging a sham hearing process.

2018: Booker Named Part of "Hell-No Caucus"

In 2018, Cory Booker was named by Politico as part of the "Hell-No Caucus," after he voted against Trump's nominees for administration jobs. The senators were all considered potential 2020 presidential contenders.

December 2019: Failed to meet polling thresholds for sixth debate

In December 2019, Cory Booker failed to meet the polling thresholds to participate in the sixth Democratic Party presidential debate.

January 13, 2020: Suspended Presidential Campaign

On January 13, 2020, Cory Booker suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

2020: Losing presidential campaign

In 2020 presidential campaign, Booker was among senators that were all potential 2020 presidential contenders, losing in the primary to Joe Biden, who then chose Kamala Harris as his running mate.

2021: Criticism for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a judgeship

In 2021, The American Prospect criticized Cory Booker and Bob Menendez for recommending Christine O'Hearne to a federal judgeship after she had spent much of her career defending employers against discrimination and sexual harassment claims.

2023: Opposition to the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act

In 2023, Cory Booker co-led a bipartisan letter urging the Senate Agriculture Committee to exclude the Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act from the Farm Bill. Booker argued that the EATS Act would undermine states' rights and eliminate crucial protections for farm animals.